What does it mean word for word?
The phrase un momento, por favor is composed of un (one), momento (moment) and por favor (please).
Which one should you use?
While un momento, por favor is a standard way to ask for a moment, you can use Espera un momento, por favor to mean 'wait one moment, please' or Dame un segundo, por favor to say 'give me a second, please'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Un momento, por favor is a polite way to ask for a moment. For a more formal and explicit request, you can add the verb espere at the beginning to say espere un momento, por favor (wait a moment, please). Conversely, Espera un momento, por favor and Dame un segundo, por favor are more informal.
How do you pronounce it?
/un moˈmento poɾ faˈboɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to include por favor when translating. In Spanish, omitting it can make the phrase sound like a command rather than a polite request.
Did you know?
- If you are in a hurry in a Spanish-speaking country, you might hear people say un momentito, por favor. Adding the diminutive suffix -ito makes the request sound even softer and more polite than the standard version.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un momento may actually result in a wait much longer than a single moment.
- The word momento shares its roots with the Latin word for 'movement', specifically from the root *movimentum. It implies a fleeting, moving point in time rather than a static duration.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, señor. Un momento, por favor. Regresaré enseguida con los documentos que solicitó.Excuse me, sir. One moment, please. I'll be right back with the documents you requested.
- Oye, ¿me esperas un segundo? Necesito agarrar mi teléfono de la otra habitación.Hey, can you wait for a sec? I need to grab my phone from the other room.
- Espere un momento, por favor.Wait one moment, please.
- Un momento, por favor, que busco las llaves.One moment, please, I am looking for the keys.
Example conversation
María is at the door and Mateo is looking for his wallet.
- Mateo¡María, un momento, por favor!María, one moment, please!
- María¿Pasa algo, Mateo?Is something wrong, Mateo?
- MateoNo, solo busco mi cartera.No, I am just looking for my wallet.
- MaríaEstá bien, te espero.Okay, I will wait for you.
